Before you leave:

• Load your car with winter travel gear: tire chains, ice scraper/snow brush, jumper cables and road flares.
• Keep a basic winter survival kit in your vehicle: flashlight, batteries, blanket, snacks, water, gloves, boots, first-aid kit.
• Check tires and make sure chains fit before driving in snowy weather
• Check oil, brakes, headlights, wipers etc.
• Studded tires are allowed in Washington from Nov. 1 to Mar. 31.
• Keep your gas tank full: WSDOT recommends not falling below half a tank during winter trips.
• WSDOT updates their Twitter (@WSDOT) with road conditions. Their app also shows current road conditions.

On the road:

• Watch for signs or check the app to find out when traction tires are advised, when chains are advised for trucks and when chains are required for all vehicles.
• Drive slower, leave extra space between vehicles to give yourself more time to stop
• Do not use cruise control
• Leave extra room between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you
• Slow down when approaching intersections, offramps, bridges or shady spots
• If you find yourself behind a snowplow, slow down and give the plow extra room
• If you find yourself stranded, be safe, stay in your car, put on your flashers, call for help and wait until it arrives.

Sources: WSDOT, TakeWinterByStorm